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Average Price: $1,099

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$499

$1300+

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Description

Step into the world of folk music with the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo, a perfect harmony of craftsmanship and affordability for musicians of all levels. This banjo is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional playing experience with its violin-quality three-piece blond maple rim, ensuring durability and a rich, resonant tone. The openback design allows for enhanced projection, making it an ideal choice for intimate, unplugged sessions, as well as lively gatherings where you want your music to soar.

The Deering Goodtime Special is equipped with steel tension and coordinator rods that provide stability and precise tuning, ensuring that your sound remains consistent and vibrant. The patented Goodtime tailpiece offers added tonal clarity, while also simplifying string changes, so you can focus on what matters most—playing. Whether you're a seasoned banjoist or a budding enthusiast, this instrument brings the joy of music to your fingertips.

With its lightweight construction, this banjo is easy to transport, making it an excellent companion for traveling musicians or for those spontaneous jam sessions. Join a community of passionate musicians and create unforgettable melodies with an instrument that is as reliable as it is expressive.

Key Features:

  • Violin-quality three-piece blond maple rim
  • Steel tension and coordinator rods
  • Patented Goodtime tailpiece for tonal clarity
  • Openback design for enhanced projection
  • Lightweight and portable construction

Product specs

Brand Deering
Model Goodtime Special 5 String Banjo
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Banjos

FAQs

What type of music is the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo best suited for?

The Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo is ideal for bluegrass, folk, and old-time music due to its bright, clear tone and lightweight design, making it easy to handle for traditional clawhammer and fingerpicking styles.

Is the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo suitable for beginners?

Yes, this banjo is great for beginners as it offers a comfortable neck profile and lightweight construction, making it easy to play and handle while still providing a professional sound quality that can grow with the player.

What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo?

The Deering Goodtime Special features a maple neck and rim, which contribute to its bright tone and durability. The openback design also makes it lighter and more portable.

Does the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo come with a resonator?

No, the Deering Goodtime Special is an openback banjo, which does not include a resonator. This design is preferred for old-time and clawhammer styles due to its lighter weight and softer sound.

How does the Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo compare to resonator banjos in terms of volume?

Openback banjos like the Deering Goodtime Special typically produce a softer, more mellow sound compared to resonator banjos, which are louder and more projecting, making them popular in bluegrass settings.

Leduc's Own Music Shop

Leduc's Own Music Shop

Deering Goodtime Special Open-Back 5-string Banjo Demo

Video thumbnail for Deering Goodtime Special Open-Back 5-string Banjo Demo by Leduc's Own Music Shop

Deering Goodtime Special Open-Back 5-string Banjo Demo

Leduc's Own Music Shop

Leduc's Own Music Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Deering Goodtime Special Openback 5 String Banjo.

Features and functionality

  • The Goodtime lacks a separate fingerboard; frets are pressed directly into the neck, a factor in its minimalist design.

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  • Some users replace the original head with a goat skin head for a quieter and different tonal quality suitable for old-time music styles.

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Build quality

  • A long-term owner notes that while some stain has worn away, the Goodtime still maintains its tonal quality and requires minimal tuning adjustments.

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  • The newer Goodtime models feature improved construction compared to the older "Gumby" versions, offering better durability and craftsmanship.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Goodtime is frequently praised for its suitability across various playing styles, maintaining relevance from beginner to advanced levels.

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  • Openback models are preferred for solo playing and folk music, offering a mellower sound, while resonator models are better suited for bluegrass.

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  • Owners appreciate the lightweight build for portability, making it suitable for travel and casual playing situations.

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Comparisons

  • The Gold Tone CC-50 is noted as a viable alternative to the Goodtime, being $100 cheaper while still offering quality above entry-level banjos.

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  • Compared to the RK Dirty 30s, the Goodtime is noted for superior playability despite lacking features like a truss rod, focusing on quality wood and tone.

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  • The Recording King RK-35 is often preferred for its professional quality sound and build, especially compared to the Deering Goodtime Special.

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User experience

  • Some users report that the Goodtime banjo can be left outside without worry, indicating its durability and resilience to environmental conditions.

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  • Owners report reliable tuning and playability with the Goodtime Americana, praising its consistency over models like the Gold Tone AC-1.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners highlight that Goodtime banjos retain their value well, making them a reliable choice even if one decides to sell later.

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  • Some buyers find the Deering Goodtime overpriced compared to similar models from other brands like Recording King, which offer better components such as a truss rod.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Banjolit wooden armrests are recommended for improved comfort and are easy to attach to a Goodtime banjo.

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  • A resonator conversion kit includes a flange, armrest, and resonator, which can be sourced used as some prefer open back.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Deering Goodtime lacks a truss rod, which limits neck adjustments and necessitates the use of light strings for optimal playability.

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